The tradition around Rerum Novarum

One has only to visit much of the third world today to be convinced of the continuing relevanceof Pope LeoXIII’s I89I encyclical, Rerum Novarum,especially in its supportfor improved living conditions for workers, a decent wage, the right to form union and the need for State intervention to protect workers from exploitation. Living conditions in many parts of Europe a century ago were not much different from the appalling third world conditionsioday, although Britain, Germany, Belgium and France had already done much to eliminate the worst abuses of women and even very young children working in mines, of people not uncommonly working 14 hours a day over a seven-day week, and of bare subsistence wages.

Social Policy Connections is an independent, ecumenical organisation, motivated and informed by Christian social thinking. Our purpose is to expand awareness of social justice issues in Australia and overseas, and to influence public policy for the benefit of all people, especially the most disadvantaged. SPC is not aligned with any political party. Click here for our brochure.

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Mission

Social Policy Connections is an independent, ecumenical organisation, motivated and informed by Christian social thinking. Our purpose is to expand awareness of social justice issues in Australia and overseas, and to influence public policy for the benefit of all people, especially the most disadvantaged. SPC is not aligned with any political party.

To help bring the social involvements of the churches into contemporary policy debates and shape a more just society, Social Policy Connections is committed to inform, advocate and engage.

Inform

Provide new platforms for informed debate and conversation through the web, conferences, public events and publications

Convene open forums for fresh voices, especially those with singular expertise or experience.

Advocate

Build relationships with politicians and opinion makers, the media, and like-minded organisations.

Publish research papers, opinion pieces and social comment.

Utilise the print media, along with radio and electronic media, including the internet.

Engage

Establish networks and alliances with concerned people, social agencies and organisations, churches and church agencies.